Saluda resident and artist Alexander A. James will be featured at The Wine Cellars Meet the Artist this Thursday and Friday, November 19 and 20 at 7 p.m.

His mediums of choice are soft pastels and oil sticks and his subjects, portraits and landscapes. His style is a balance between impressionism and realism.

James and his family have lived in Saluda for 10 years. Born in Belize City, Belize, James moved to the US when he was 12 years old to Clearwater, Fl. He was first introduced to Saluda when he met his wife in Asheville.

He has always had an inherited interest in art and when attending college in UNCA, he decided to major in Fine Arts. James says, My style could be considered impressionistic especially with the use of soft pastels my preferred medium. I have developed a unique technique for painting with soft pastels and oil sticks. This textured approach blends a balance between impressionism and realism.

The Wine Cellar is located at The Saluda Inn, 229 Greenville Street, Saluda. For further information, call 828-749-9698.